My dear Wills,
I am clear that you took my cold. Why didn't you do the thing completely, and take it away from me? for it hangs by me still.
Will you tell Mrs. Linton that in looking over her admirable account (most admirable) of Mrs. Gordon's book, I have taken out the references to Lockhart, not because I in the least doubt their justice, but because I knew him and he liked me; and because one bright day in Rome, I walked about with him for some hours when he was dying fast, and all the old faults had faded out of him, and the now ghost of the handsome man I had first known when Scott's daughter was at the head of his house, had little more to do with this world than she in her grave, or Scott in his, or small Hugh Littlejohn in his. Lockhart had been anxious to see me all the previous day (when I was away on the Campagna), and as we walked about I knew very well that he knew very well why. He talked of getting better, but I never saw him again. This makes me stay Mrs. Linton's hand, gentle as it is.
Mrs. Lirriper is indeed a most brilliant old lady. God bless her.
I am glad to hear of your being "haunted," and hope to increase your stock of such ghosts pretty liberally.
Ever faithfully.